Has anyone else been dealing with the issue of helping their child lose weight?

Dawn - posted on 07/29/2009

Over the last 2 years I have lost 60 pounds myself(still not much of a dent of what I want), and have been dieting for longer than I care to think about. My husband is on disability and both he and my son have a lot of medical expenses and we have no insurance and have been deneind multiple times for state assistance. Money is beyond tight, it is brittle. I can't afford a WII or it's consols. No his thyroid has not been checked because the doctor said it would be rare for him to have thyroid issues since he is well above average for his height. I informed him that I too am tall for a woman but have thyroid issues(untreated due to money). The doctor has chosen to wait to see if other measures will correct the problem before checking his blood. The doctor wanted me to keep a diary of every calorie and every moment of excercise too but I can't do it when I am not there. My husband has severe memory problems so he can not remember to do this in my place. THat just isn't going to happen. I can't quit my job to do this.

Kristal - posted on 07/29/2009

I just joined TOPS with my daughter. She is not all that much overweight, but could lose a few pounds and it is helping her to be aware of what she eats. She lost 2 lbs at weigh in last night where as I gained .4!!!! You might also try keeping thing in the house that don't seem like "diet food" but are better choices such as the high fiber granola bars(fiber one bars are really good), the no sugar ice cream treats, higher fiber cereal (frosted mini wheats) or whole grain waffles with sugar free syrup (we like log cabin). This way maybe we won't feel like he is missing out on all the good stuff. You can't expect a child to get excited about a big salad every day. Also you might see if there is a YMCA close to you. Maybe he would like swimming or something like that. I just hate the extra pressure heavier kids carry because kids can be so mean. Also the more weight he losses the more active he will probably become we all know how hard it is to carry extra wieght around, and it must be even harder on a childs frame!! Good Luck Dawn!! Just do your best and start a step at a time.

Krista - posted on 07/29/2009

Dawn...my step-daughter is in the same boat. All I can say is that if you're monitoring what he's eating, then that's a step. I'm assuming his thyroid has been checked? If he doesn't like to go outside much, the wii is a GREAT asset for physical fitness, coupled with the wii fit. They've come out with an expansion pack to the wii which is a personal trainer. The basic wii is fun in itself and let me tell you.......boy does it make you sweat. Also, you said you yourself are large.....set an example for your son. Start losing the weight yourself. If he sees that mom is giving it a go, he'll be much more likely to try to get there himself.

Also, depending on his age....let him know EXACTLY what his body can do to him if he doesn't get healthy.